Snapping away at foreigners who keep the “I love Japan” sentiment close to their hearts – we feature fashionable Japan-aficionados on our new column “MOSHI MOSHI SNAPS!” now onto Volume 7.

Our 7th endeavour brings Erin, an English teacher/translation consultant who currently works in Japan. She’s got a lovely taste in fashion, and keeps it classy with her responses — read on for more.

Erin Degroote (26)

——Where are you from?

Detroit, Michigan, USA.

——How many times have you been to Japan?

Twice, then I moved here.

——What is your favourite thing about Japan and why?

Nightlife and fashion. Tokyo has amazing music and events. I love the social atmosphere Tokyo has every weekend (or weekday). I never have to look very hard for an amazing music DJ, and I can dress freely in crazy fashion.

——Tell us something about your outfit.

“Splash of Color.” Tokyo fashion tends to be neutral in color. It’s leaning towards beige, white, black, grey, or a pastel pink. I love black but also like to incorporate a splash of color to accent it. Today was yellow to bring sunshine to this winter day and as always, the final touch of red lipstick.

——Tell us your favorite Japanese word!

“Kogarashi.” Japanese has beautiful poetic words to describe nature. My favorite thing about fall is when the cold wind stirs up the dead leaves into a tiny tornado of leaves. It’s so beautiful.Japanese has a word for this.

——What’s the most interesting item you came across in Japan?

Sakura flvaor everything. Sakura is so special to Japan and Japanese culture. The sakura is ever so fleeting in scent and beuty. I love the smell but it’s so short to enjoy! So sakura mochi, sakura soy milk, etc. is amazing and unique.

——What do you like about Japanese pop culture?

Art. The Mori Museum brings a lot of interesting contemporary artists for exhibitions. Contemporary art expresses the insanity of Japanese culture as well as the peacefulness. My favorite exhibit was Yayoi Kusama.

——What brings you to Harajuku?

I like to go to the second hand Vivienne Westwood shop here. The swag is great! I also like to check out the clothes at Takenoko. I can always find some interesting dresses or tops there. Then I like to see the secondhand stores and finally eat a crepe, Harajuku style!

——What do you feel is unique to Japan?

Fox Village. In Shiroishi there is a Fox village where you can be surrounded by adorable foxes. It’s in the middle of nowhere but it’s so unique and interesting. Just remember: they are still wild animals!

——If you could say MOSHI MOSHI to anyone from Japan, who would it be?

Shiina Ringo. I saw her at Fuji Rock this year and she was absolutely mesmerizing. She was funky, classy, wild and talented. She seems like she would be an interesting woman to call and chat with about life.

—

Photos, interview：SHUTTER

Credits: i-make Tokyo Shimokitazawa

http://www.i-make.co.jp

Snapping away at foreigners who keep the “I love Japan” sentiment close to their hearts – we feature all of these Japanese aficionados on our new column “MOSHI MOSHI SNAPS!” now onto Volume 6. (Read our previous volume here)

We’ve chosen this energetic Polish duo for our #6 snap — it’s their first time in Japan, but they’ve been nuts over it ever since they can remember! We speak with them on what draws them to the island of Japan.

Lena (26) and Maciej (27), graduate students, friends from university

――Where are you from?

Lena and Maciej: Poland

――How many times have you been to Japan?

Maciej: This is our first time in here.

Lena: It is, but we hope to come back to Japan in the nearest future.

――What do you do for a living?

Lena: We are graduate students, so we are studying and working at the university.

Maciej: In Japan we are doing an internship which is part of ongoing international project.

――What do you like about Japan?

Lena: Delicious food! I’ve found here new and unexpected flavors. I adore okonomiyaki, takoyaki and udon. I also like Japanese desserts and sweets like green tea ice cream or dango. The other thing is that people are very friendly and kind here.

Maciej: Culture, both ancient and modern. I’ve always been a fan, I’ve started with anime as a kid, but since then I’ve broaden my horizons.

――Tell us about your outfit today.

Lena: I’m wearing my black fluffy jacket and boyfriend-style blue jeans. We’re going to visit many places in Tokyo, so sport shoes and handy backpack seem to be the best choice.

Maciej: It’s nothing special, my favourite jacket, and multipurpous shoes, we are spending whole day in Tokyo so practical clothing makes more sense.

――What is your favorite Japanese word?

Lena: “Sugoi” is my favorite one. I’ve heard it first time at Nakamise shopping street in Asakusa. It’s catchy and joyful.

Maciej: I will have to go with “sugoi” too, we heard it multiple times in all the awesome places we visited, and it comes to mind every time we see something impressive, and whenever heard it reminds us of every “sugoi” places we’ve seen so far.

――What’s the most interesting item you came across in Japan?

Lena: The dog-shaped papier-mache figures called Inuhariko, which I’ve noticed in Tokyo National Museum. They are unique and quite unusual for me. I love to have a small version of them.

Maciej: I was surprised several times by everyday objects that nobody outside of Japan would think of. The noteworthy example of this are the chair socks.

――What do you like about Japanese pop culture?

Maciej: It depends what we define as “pop” culture. I really like couple anime series, things like Mononoke, Mushishi, Cowboy Bebop, or anything that Studio Ghibli does, for me could be considered as works of art and are among my favourite things.

Lena: Every else the pop culture and everyday life are somehow separated but here in Japan pop culture leaks into all spheres of life (for example you can find the characters from anime and manga everywhere: mountain shelters and trails, temples, universities and so on). I’ve found it very adorable!

――What draws you to Harajuku?

Lena: Plenty of crazy accessories, fashion trend stores and cafes. Harajuku is full of life and colors.

Maciej: Lena (laugh). But seriously, it seems like a cool place to buy some unusual souvenirs.

――What do you feel is unique to Japan?

Maciej: The cultural mix of both old and new in almost every aspect of Japanese lifestyle from art, through fashion to architecture.

Lena: Big electronic shops, Japanese cars, frequent public announcements from speakers on the streets, colorful subcultural outfits in contrast to school uniforms, and many, many more!

――If you could say MOSHI MOSHI（telephone） to anyone in Japan, who would it be?

Lena: Unfortunately, we don’t use ours cell phones in Japan. But I think we have met here many fantastic people and it will be nice to said “moshi moshi” and have a small talk with them.

Maciej: We have met really wonderful people in Japan and I hope we can stay in touch with at least some of them. In this day and age, it would probably be by internet, but who knows, maybe giving them a call isn’t such a bad idea.

—

Photography：Yuta Mukaiyama Text：Keitaro Murakami（SHUTTER）

Snapping away at foreigners who keep the “I love Japan” sentiment close to their hearts – we feature all of these Japanese aficionados on our new column “MOSHI MOSHI SNAPS!” now onto Volume 6. (Read our previous volume here)

Our 6th edition is also off from MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON FESTIVAL 2015 in TOKYO held from Nov. 6-8 at the Tokyo Gymnasium. We speak to this beautiful lady tell us tales on her first ever visit to Japan.

London Forsyth（18）Supermarket cashier

——Where are you from?

London：I’m from Queensland in Australia.

――How many times have you been to Japan?

London：This is my first time! I’m studying fashion there, so I came to Japan to continue my studies here.

――What do you do for a living?

London：I work as a cashier at a supermarket. It’s a fun job where I get to see fresh faces every time.

——What do you like about Japan?

London：I love thrift stores. I went all over Harajuku and Shimokitazawa. The items they have differ depending on the store, so it was fun visiting one shop to another.

——Tell us something about your outfit.

London：My tops has an interesting and stylish cut. I wore this girly skirt to match it with a wooly cardigan on top. Keeping it cool but sweet.

——What is your favorite Japanese word?

London：”Arigatou.” I love people who can express their gratitude towards others. I’ve often come across this word in Japan. There are many situations where people use this word. They always use this word of appreciation – I think that’s beautiful.

——What’s the most interesting item you came across in Japan?

London：Toilets. The “otohime” completely got me! (A machine that plays sounds so people in the other stalls don’t hear you do your thing) I haven’t had the chance to try the flat type (Japanese style) bathrooms yet…(laughs)

——What do you like about Japanese pop culture?

London：The fashion. I love it when Japanese girls incorporate secondhand items to their outfit. Everyone’s very unique and fashionable over here.

――What draws you to Harajuku?

London：The way the shops are lined up, the people, the way time passes. I love the atmosphere that surrounds the area.

——What did you look forward to most at the MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON FESTIVAL 2015 in TOKYO?

London：I’d like to enjoy the Japanese “festival” atmosphere! I’m not too educated on Japanese artists, so I’d like to do some studying on that field by watching the performances.

——What do you feel is unique to Japan?

London：Harajuku. So many unique shops, so many uniquely dressed people.

——If you could say MOSHI MOSHI to anyone from Japan, who would it be?

London：I don’t know anybody from here yet. I hope to meet beautiful people here soon!

—

Photography/Interview: Keitaro Murakami（SHUTTER）

Snapping away at foreigners who keep the “I love Japan” sentiment close to their hearts – we feature all of these Japanese aficionados on our new column “MOSHI MOSHI SNAPS!” now onto our 5th edition. (Read our previous volume here)

Our 5th snap also comes off from the MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON FESTIVAL 2015 in TOKYO held on Nov. 6-8. Here’s our interview with a Scandinavian pal devoted madly to Japanese culture.

——Where are you from?

Finland.

――How many times have you been to Japan?

This is my third time. I just came on vacation for the first and second time. This time around, I’m here for work in Hiroshima. But I’ve used the weekend to visit Tokyo.

——What do you like about Japan?

I love idols. Their songs, dance moves, smiles – they’re all filled with energy and it lifts me up every time! I’m a huge fan of Dempagumi.inc, especially the Red-reppin Mirin-chan!

——Tell us something about your outfit.

I’m not sure there’s much to say but…I guess it’s “Dempagumi.inc”-themed. I wore the happi, just like they do; here’s my Dempagumi.inc towel, and a Mirin-chan doll. I chose a red watch, to match with Mirin-chan’s color.

——What is your favorite Japanese word?

“Pinchike.” This is a word a learned recently. Apparently it’s a word that describes an otaku who doesn’t follow the “otaku-rules.”

I’m obviously not one! (laughs)

——What’s the most interesting item you came across in Japan?

Natto. Not many foreigners enjoy it, but when I had it for the first time, I loved the taste, the smell, the texture, everything!

——What do you like about Japanese pop culture?

There’s all sorts, but idols and girl artists are the best. These are the pinnacles of Japanese pop culture.

——What did you look forward to most at the MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON FESTIVAL 2015 in TOKYO?

The MOSHI POP live stage!

——What do you feel is unique to Japan?

Mt. Fuji! Mt. Fuji is absolutely beautiful. I love the logo for this festival, I recognize how there’s a Mt. Fuji drawn on it! It looks amazing.

——If you could say MOSHI MOSHI to anyone from Japan, who would it be?

Mirin-chan from Dempagumi.inc, for sure. I want to tell her that I’ll support her forever!

Photos/Interview: Keitaro Murakami（SHUTTER）

Snapping away at foreigners who keep the “I love Japan” sentiment close to their hearts – we feature all of these Japanese aficionados on our new column “MOSHI MOSHI SNAPS!” now onto our 3rd edition. (Read our previous volume here)

Our 3rd snap also comes off from the MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON FESTIVAL 2015 in TOKYO held on Nov. 6-8. Here are two German guys we came across who covered every intricate detail on Japan’s unique elements.

Chris（Age: secret）Occupation: Office worker (Left)

Boniender Ephraim（27）Occupation: Office worker (Right)

——How many times have you come to Japan?

Chris：10-12 times. My wife is Japanese, so I’ve visited many times.

Boniender：This is my fifth time here. I actually live here now. I’ve found a job and I can officially say I’m based here. I’ve always loved Japan and I always dreamt about living here.

——What do you do for a living?

Chris：I work at an office.

Boniender：Same here.

——What do you like about Japan?

Chris：It’s great how it’s convenient to get around, and how you can still enjoy its traditional side.

Boniender：That’s true. I think Japan’s absolutely beautiful. The fashion you see out on the streets, I like how the people are here as well.

——Tell us something about your outfit.

Boniender：The theme is hipster hip-hop. I tried to express my own style of “hip-hop” through these unique items. I think it turned out pretty hipster.

Chris：My tattoos. I got tattoos that embedded Japanese designs and kanjis since I love Japan.

——What is your favorite Japanese word?

Chris：”Inaka” (countryside) is my favorite (laughs) I live in the outskirts of Chiba, but it’s great how easygoing it is out there.

Boniender：My favorite is “komorebi.”

Komorebi is the light that shines between tree leaves – this term is specifically Japanese and there’s no word that serves as a translation to this one. I don’t know how the Japanese came up with this, but whoever came up with it has a great sensibility.

Chris：You’re right.

——What’s the most interesting item you came across in Japan?

Chris：Yakiniku is great. All of the meat that’s served come cooked in Germany, so it’s interesting how you do it all on your own. My favorite is Kalbi.

Boniender：(laughs) Yakiniku is interesting! I think my favorite is chuhai. It tastes great and it’s cheap. Can’t get any better than that.

——What do you like about Japanese pop culture?

Chris, Boniender：Games!

Chris：I love the old school ones that came out in the Super Famicom days. Super Mario Bros is a classic.

Boniender：I loved the Final Fantasy series. The one I’d push for the most would be Final Fantasy X. The story was interesting and the graphics were amazing.

——What did you look forward to most at the MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON FESTIVAL 2015 in TOKYO?

Chris：Daishi Dance at MOSHI COOL.  I became a fan after seeing him on YouTube.

Boniender：CAPSULE. I have all of their albums. They’ve worked on a number of different genres of dance, which is great. They’re one of my favorites.

——What do you feel is unique to Japan?

Chris：Japanese (laughs). It’s very difficult! They’ve got hiragana, katakana, and then Kanji! There’s way too much to remember!

Boniender：There’s so many rules to everything. For example, they’d only turn on the AC in the summer in public places. It’s strange how they switch from AC to heater depending on the season and not the temperature.

——If you could say MOSHI MOSHI to anyone from Japan, who would it be?

Chris：I’d like to speak to the Japanese “God.” Apparently they’ve got 8 million? I’d like to ask why there’s so many of them and what they do in their daily lives.

Boniender：Hmm, difficult question. I don’t think there is anyone I’d like to MOSHI MOSHI.

Chris：(Laughs)

Photography, interview: Keitaro Murakami（SHUTTER）

Snapping away at foreigners who keep the “I love Japan” sentiment close to their hearts – we feature all of these Japanese aficionados on our new column “MOSHI MOSHI SNAPS!” now onto Volume 2. (Read Vol. 1 here)

This week, we bring you fashion snaps and an interview with the pop culture aficionado/model, Yuriko, who we spotted at MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON FESTIVAL 2015 in TOKYO!

How does Japan appear through the lens of this Italian-born beauty?

Yuriko Tiger（22）Occupation：Model

――Where are you from?

Italy!

――How many times have you been to Japan?

I’ve been working in Japan for two years now. I’ve been surrounded by anime ever since I was little, so coming to Japan has always been a dream.

――What do you do for a living?

I model for magazines and advertisements. I love cosplay, and I’ve been promoted as a official cosplayer at game and anime-related events that have company tie-ups.

――What do you like about Japan?

I love how the place is filled with pop culture – games, anime, manga, music, films, fashion – everywhere, really.

I also love how it’s very clean. The city streets are very pretty as well. I feel the metro has a very unique atmosphere although it is difficult to figure it all out.

――Tell us about your outfit today.

I matched my motorcycle jacket with these crushed denim to give out a wild vibe. I kept my tops and my shoes in a red tone to add a couple cute points while also keeping it all color coordinated.

――What is your favorite Japanese word?

“Kawaii.” I still remember the first time someone in Japan told me I was “kawaii,” it made me so happy!

――What’s the most interesting item you came across in Japan?

Disposable kairo* (heating pads with adhesive)! Something I can’t let go of this season!

*The heating pads aka kairo heat up when the iron powder oxidizes

――What do you like about Japanese pop culture?

Game and cosplay. I love the ones with combat sports. I was actually only 3 the first time I played them (laughs). Having that as my backbone, I’ve engaged in a couple of combat sports myself including Savate, kung fu, karate and kickboxing. Out of all the games I’ve played, I definitely recommend Bandai Namco’s Tekken series! This is one I love.

For cosplay, I usually wear outfits of characters from games, animes, and mangas. Usually I get them all order made.

I’m actually currently an official cosplayer for Bandai Namco. It’s an amazing opportunity to be able to work a job where I can get in touch with both games and cosplay! I’m very grateful.

――What draws you to Harajuku?

They’ve got a lot of fancy clothing stores. I usually come to Harajuku to shop. My favorite brands are SUPER LOVERS, galaxxy, PUTUMAYO, h.NAOTO, etc. I hop around all my favorite stores when I visit Harajuku.

――What did you look forward to most at the MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON FESTIVAL 2015 in TOKYO?

m-flo and Kyary Pamyu Pamyu are my favorite! MOSHIFES is splendid, it’s more than I could ever ask for!

――What do you feel is unique to Japan?

Japanese couples are shy to kiss in public. That was very strange to me. You want to though, right? (laughs)

――If you could say MOSHI MOSHI to anyone in Japan, who would it be?

I’d love to speak with m-flo, both VERBAL and ☆Taku. First I’ll say “moshi moshi?” and then I’ll tell them I really look up to them. I have nearly all of their records, and I often go and see them live as well.

—

Photo：Yuta Mukaiyama向山・Interview：Keitaro Murakami（SHUTTER）

Out of all the foreigners who are visiting Japan, “MOSHI MOSHI SNAPS!” speaks and snaps those who embody a huge passion towards everything Japan.

For the first “MOSHI MOSHI SNAP,” we visited the MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON FESTIVAL 2015 in TOKYO, where we encountered two angels (also huge fans of DEMPAGUMI.inc) from Northern Europe.  Read on for them to tell you all about the gold they’ve discovered in Japan as well as who they’d like to “moshi moshi.”

Devora Josefin（24）Occupation：Barista［Left］

Sirola Noora（21）Occupation：Student［Right］

——Where are you from?

Devora: Sweden.

Sirola: I’m from Finland.

——How many times have you been to Japan?

Devora：This is my second time.

Sirola：This is my first time. I came to Tokyo a month ago, and I currently attend a Japanese language school here.  I’ve been studying Japanese and Japan culture back in my homeland Finland since two years ago though.

——What do you like about Japan?

Devora：I love the subculture here! It’s very interesting, something you can’t find in other countries. It’s very unique.

Sirola：I love the idol culture here, especially Dempagumi.inc! I love them because their music makes me happy. I can nail all the moves to their songs!

——Tell us about your outfits.

Devora：This is my Dempagumi.inc outfit. What I’m wearing today is the sailor suit that Eitaso (Dempagumi.inc’s Yellow represent) wears.

Sirola：I’m also wearing a Dempagumi.inc outfit! This one’s the same as Pinky – it’s the blue sailor suit. I’m a huge fan of Pin-chan, so let me strike her signature pose…”Gao-!”

——Favorite Japanese word?

Devora：I love “Chotto.”

I love it because it’s so convenient – you can use it anytime, anywhere. The sound of it is very cute too. For example: “chottone (a little bit)” or “chotto wakaranai (I kind of don’t understand)” or “chotto sukikamo. (I like it a little bit)” So cute, right?

Sirola：My favorite word is “Odottemita” (I danced it)

They have a series up on YouTube under the same word, where people perform dances to various songs by idols. This was how I discovered Japanese, and it was also where I learned all the moves.

——What’s an interesting item you’ve found in Japan?

Devora：I don’t know if you would call this an item, but I love the music and anime.

Sirola：If we were to talk idols, I’d say Dempagumi.inc. If we’re talking Japanese food, I love Okonomiyaki.

——What do you like about Japanese pop culture?

Devora：Anime is definitely my favorite. Each series has a different story, so there’s an infinite variety. I think that’s what’s so great about it. The ones I like the most are “Idol Master” and “Gintama.” Shoujo (girl) anime or Shounen (boys) anime, they’re both great. I follow a wide variety of genres.

Sirola：I love everything J-Pop. I just love Dempagumi.inc!

——What’s the best part of Harajuku?

Devora：The shopping. That’s what comes to mind first – all the stores. I’m definitely interested in the Lolita fashion.

Sirola：The unique fashion style in Harajuku is intriguing. I love Lolita fashion as well.

——What did you look forward to the most at the MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON FESTIVAL 2015 in TOKYO?

Devora：I was beyond excited to watch Dempagumi.inc at MOSHI POP on the second day. I just love Eitaso.

Sirola：Same here. I’m so happy I get to meet Pinky. The words Pinky live by are “Odotte mitara shichihenge (dance and you’ll be greeted by transformation).” Since I do dance as well, I’m happy I get to share this passion with her.

——What is an aspect you consider unique to Japan?

Devora：Maid cafes? It’s interesting how the atmosphere changes completely depending on the store you go to.

Sirola：Japanese people look like they’re always in a hurry. Not something you see often in Finland (laughs).

——Which Japanese person would you like to say “moshi moshi” (a way to say “hello” in Japanese when speaking on the phone) to?

Devora：Junichi Suwabe. He’s a voice actor that has been casted on anime shows such as “The Prince of Tennis,” “Kuroko’s Basketball,” “ONE PIECE,” as well as a game called “Rage of Bahamut.” He’s a dream. I’d like him to serenade me with his sexy voice over the phone! Kya!

Sirola：Pinky, obviously!

Photos / Text：Keitaro Murakami（SHUTTER）

MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON FESTIVAL 2015 in TOKYO

http://fes15.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/